Lab and Research – Phased Commissioning Services
SEA resolved historic and ongoing building systems operations through a phased commissioning approach within six weeks – resulting in optimal conditions for the forensic lab.
About the Facility
The Robert Clinton Hatch Hall Forensic Sciences Building is shared by the Alabama Department of Forensic Sciences and Alabama State University (ASU). The 50,000 square foot, eight year-old facility incorporates state-of-the-art forensic science laboratories, computer labs, a mock courtroom, instrumentation laboratory and a criminal logistics laboratory for instruction in techniques used to examine evidential materials.
Challenges
Facility owners were specifically concerned with the operations related to the forensics lab spaces. Overall, the building was allowing substantial amounts of water infiltration during rain fall and the current HVAC system was unable to provide a positive pressure environment. Additionally, the facility’s temperature and humidity lab requirements were not desirable and coordinated air space was inconsistent. Because of these issues, the forensic labs were experiencing a high concentration of airborne fungi particles. Any one of these issues could greatly impact and compromise forensic testing. It was important to determine and resolve root causes quickly so as to not impact or delay lab testing.
Scope of Work
To achieve overall building success, all systems needed to operate optimally. Ongoing preventative maintenance of the building envelope and the HVAC system also needed to be consistent. SEA was hired to quickly implement a phased commissioning process and worked to develop contract documents for system repairs and replacement. SEA also ensured that all building systems were operating optimally during the construction phase. The commissioning activities were broken down into four key phases.
Phase 1: The team worked to investigate all systems and conduct control assessments. This included Testing, Adjusting and Balancing (TAB) the Chiller and ASU – resulting in an Investigative Report.
Phase 2: In this phase, the SEA team defined the necessary solutions for all of the operations and worked to rewrite code controls. This documentation included a master schedule, costs analysis and responsibility matrix.
Phase 3: SEA worked to upgrade controls and make all final repairs with additional TAB measures.
Phase 4: SEA provided the final commissioning report of all activities conducted in the previous phases and included a roadmap for future operations and maintenance.
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